3. Berytus Parks Bldg., 1344 Park Avenue
Block A, Suite 400, Mina El Hosn,
Beirut Central District, Lebanon
Zip Code: 1105-2035
t +961 1 990 890 f +961 1 985 816
info@benchmark.com.lb
www.benchmark.com.lb
4. OVERVIEW
Culture 6
Expertise 8
Talents 9
SELECTED PROJECTS
By Benchmark 17
By the Founders 31
6. CULTURE
Headquartered in the metropolitan city of Beirut, Benchmark emerges as
one of the region’s key players in real estate development, investment and
management of the residential community market. With a growing portfolio
of more than US$ 3 billion, our landmark developments extend from a high
rise tower in Beirut through a residential gateway in Arriyadh, and finally to an
urban city in Doha.
VALUES
Since our establishment in 2007, our benchmarks of real estate practice
have been guided by a set of core values that determine our entrepreneurial
actions and characterize our behavior towards customers, investors,
employees and other key stakeholders.
INNOVATION INTEGRATION INTEGRITY
Led by a global Our comprehensive The foundation of all
outlook into the future suite of integrated our partnerships is
yet inspired by local development services derived from this value,
stories from the past, renders each project as it promotes trust
we deliver a “glocal” into a high-end and dictates a serious
real estate value that community that is a responsibility towards
endures and ensures positive integral of its the community, the
long term returns to all urban context. built environment, and
stakeholders. our investors.
BENCHMARK
OVERVIEW // CULTURE / EXPERTISE / TALENTS 6
7. MISSION STATEMENT
Benchmark promises its stakeholders a real estate
value that is sustainable through a long-term vision,
unified in a community approach, and founded on
reliable partnerships.
BENCHMARK
OVERVIEW // CULTURE / EXPERTISE / TALENTS 7
8. EXPERTISE
Benchmark offers a 360-degree
set of integrated expertise
INVESTMENT DEVELOPMENT
Identification of opportunities Programming
Evaluation of acquisitions Design management
Financial and legal structuring Project management
Conducting private placement activities Construction management
Participation in the invested equity Financial management
Debt structuring
MANAGEMENT
Sales Management
Operation and management of buildings
and facilities
Controlling and reporting
Marketing and communication
management
BENCHMARK
OVERVIEW // CULTURE / EXPERTISE / TALENTS 8
9. TALENTS
Driven by a unique team of professionals who possess years of
international experience and global relationships in the design, consulting
and investment communities, Benchmark is emerging as a solid and
trusted regional player. Its founders and board members have led some of
the region’s most prestigious and high-profile projects earning them their
name amongst decision-makers and investors alike.
BOARD MEMBERS EXECUTIVE TEAM
DR. BASSIM HALABY MRS. RANDA JAMALI
Founder and Chairman Chief Operating Officer
MR. NADER HARIRI MRS. ZINA DAJANI
Founder and Board Member Managing Director (Lebanon)
MR. MOHAMMED CHOUCAIR MR. MAZEN EL KHATIB
Board Member Managing Director (International)
BENCHMARK
OVERVIEW // CULTURE / EXPERTISE / TALENTS 9
10. BOARD MEMBERS
DR. BASSIM HALABY
Founder and Chairman
Bassim is the founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Benchmark. His
vision and direction lead the company to become a key player in the investment,
development and management of real estate projects, with a multi-billion dollar
portfolio across the MENA region. Prior to Benchmark, Bassim was the co-head
of Hines MENA, a global real estate development firm. Back in 1996, he founded
Millennium Development, an international company that provides integrated
planning, development and project management consulting services. Bassim
acted as the chairman and CEO until end of 2006. Bassim also served as the
Managing Director of Urban Associates, Chief Planner for the city of ArRiyadh,
Saudi Arabia, Senior Consultant to Merrill Lynch and the World Bank, as well as
Senior Planner for the city of Boston. He is a member of the Board of Directors of
several institutions across the United States and the Middle East.
Bassim holds a Bachelor degree in Architecture from the Beirut Arab University, Dual Master’s
Degree in City Planning and Real Estate Development from the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology (MIT), and an MBA from the Sloan School of Management, MIT. Bassim has
completed his qualifiers towards a PhD in Strategic Planning.
BENCHMARK
OVERVIEW // CULTURE / EXPERTISE / TALENTS 10
11. MR. NADER HARIRI
Founder and Board Member
Nader is co-founder and board member of Benchmark. Nader has a deep
understanding and knowledge of the real estate sector with strong investor and
financial institutions network and relationships His involvement in Benchmark
was one of the main contributors to the company’s success and achievements.
Nader was also a co-founder of Millennium Development and a major investor in
telecommunications, technology and internet based businesses. He also serves
as a board member on several reputed local and international companies.
BENCHMARK
OVERVIEW // CULTURE / EXPERTISE / TALENTS 11
12. MR. MOHAMED CHOUCAIR
Board Member
Mohamad Choucair is a board member at Benchmark since inception. He is
chairman of the chamber of commerce, industry and agriculture of Lebanon and
has a strong prominent presence in the Lebanese and regional business circles
which strengthens Benchmark’s exposure and offers it with new opportunities.
Mohamed Choucair was CEO and Vice President of Patchi, one of the most
renowned chocolate brands in the region. He has also launched several industrial
projects and invested in several real estate companies.
He assumed responsibilities in several professional associations and contributed
to the foundation of many others. Mohamad is also currently the Chairman
of the Federation of the Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of
Lebanon. In April 2012, he became Chairman of the Association of Chambers of
Commerce and Industry of the Mediterranean (ASCAME) based in Barcelona and
grouping 220 chambers around the Mediterranean. In May 2012, he was named
Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite by the President of the French Republic
Mr. François Hollande.
BENCHMARK
OVERVIEW // CULTURE / EXPERTISE / TALENTS 12
13. EXECUTIVE TEAM
MRS. RANDA JAMALI
Chief Operating Officer
Randa joined Benchmark as Chief Operating Officer in 2008 and became partner
in 2009. She provides direction to the overall operation at the regional level and
leads the development and implementation of operating and financial strategies
in accordance with corporate objectives. She also plays an instrumental role in the
expansion of the operation and the structuring and integration of new ventures on
the regional level. Prior to joining Benchmark, Randa served as regional controller
at Hines, a global real estate development company, where she supported the
establishment of their operation in the MENA region.
Randa also served as the Director of finance and administration at Millennium
Development where she spearheaded the complete restructuring of the financial
operation of the company. She was also the key financial advisor on major large
scale development projects in the region.
Randa has a Bachelor of Science from the American University of Beirut (AUB) and an MBA from
the Lebanese American University (LAU). She pursued advanced professional executive education
in real estate at MIT and Cornell where she obtained a certification in real estate finance and
investment. Randa also obtained an MBA from the Sloan School of Management, MIT in 2008.
BENCHMARK
OVERVIEW // CULTURE / EXPERTISE / TALENTS 13
14. MRS. ZINA DAJANI
Managing Director (Lebanon)
Zina joined Benchmark as Managing Director for Lebanon at the company’s inception in 2007. She was
part of the founding team and became partner in 2009. She led the efforts on Wadi Hills, Benchmark’s
first project, and was instrumental in the growth of Lebanon operation together with its professional
team. Prior to Benchmark, Zina became an active member of the development and financial team at
Millennium Development, a real estate consultancy company with projects in Lebanon, KSA and the
rest of the region, following her work in architecture with 2 of the well-known and established firms in
Lebanon: Pierre el Khoury Architects (PelK) and Nabil Gholam Architecture and Planning (NGAP).
Zina holds a Master’s of Science degree in Real Estate Development from MIT and a Bachelor of Architecture from AUB.
BENCHMARK
OVERVIEW // CULTURE / EXPERTISE / TALENTS 14
15. MR. MAZEN EL KHATIB
Managing Director (International)
Mazen joined Benchmark as Managing Director in 2009. He has led the pre-development efforts for
the projects in the MENA region, specifically in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Qatar, Yemen, and
Morocco. As part of the executive team, he is also actively involved in new development opportunities
at Benchmark. Before joining Benchmark, Mazen was a Development Manager at Hines, a global and
private real estate development firm with a portfolio exceeding USD 30 billion. He had worked on large
scale projects in the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, where he assumed a key role in all matters related
to design management, planning, acquisitions and feasibility. Prior to his tenure at Hines, Mazen was an
associate with Nabil Gholam Architects in charge of several projects in Lebanon, the MENA region and
Europe. He worked on various scale projects including residential, commercial, hotels, and mixed-use
urban developments.
Mazen holds a Master’s of Science in Real Estate Development from Columbia University in New York, and a Bachelor of
Architecture degree from AUB. He is also a member in the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and the Royal Institution of Chartered
Surveyors (RICS).
BENCHMARK
OVERVIEW // CULTURE / EXPERTISE / TALENTS 15
17. SELECTED PROJECTS
BY BENCHMARK
BEIRUT TERRACES
Mina El Hosn
Beirut, Lebanon
Role Beirut Terraces is an opportune residence of future Beirut.
Investor and Developer Its concept, structure, and appearance are shaped by
both awareness and respect of the city, as well as self-
Client
confident optimism, that it shares with the modern and
Block 18 Holding S.A.L.
travelled kind of urban residents it appeals to.
Value
USD 460 million The project is founded on five principles:
Inside & Outside Views & Privacy
Site Area Layers & Terraces Light & Identity
4,985 sq m
Vegetation & Architecture
Consultant
Herzog & De Meuron, Individual environments at the highest standards of
Switzerland comfort cater for both openness and privacy. They enable
a flexible life between inside and outside. Fine detailing
Status and a focus on the concentrated orchestration of decent
Project under construction materials provide the essence for an efficient and luxury
Expected completion date: building. Careful environmental engineering and specific
2015.
use of vegetation further enhance its sustainability and the
quality of life in it. It is in this sense that “Beirut Terraces”
is destined to become a landmark within the versatile
evolutions of the contemporary city of Beirut.
BENCHMARK
SELECTED PROJECTS BY // BENCHMARK / THE FOUNDERS 17
18. all renders are designed by
SELECTED PROJECTS BY BENCHMARK//
BEIRUT TERRACES 18
19. WADI HILLS
RESIDENCES
Wadi Abou Jamil
Beirut, Lebanon
Role Located on the Western boundary of Beirut Central
Investor and Developer District, Wadi Hills residences offer a graceful living
experience in the heart of the vibrant city center. Set
Client
to become one of Beirut’s most prestigious address
Wadi Hills S.A.L.
for gated communities, the project is comprised of 7
Value low-rise apartment buildings and a community center
USD 135 million sensitively designed in harmony. With room for all
generations to enjoy year round activities, the private
Site Area community offers its residents a fluid circulation
8,000 sq m between serenely vegetated and interconnected piazzas,
with promenades between townhouses, simplexes,
Consultant
Anthony Bechu penthouses, duplexes, and the commercial spaces. Wadi
Nabih Sinno Hills is a unique location for stylish living.
Status Project
Under construction
Expected delivery date
December 2012
BENCHMARK
SELECTED PROJECTS BY // BENCHMARK / THE FOUNDERS 19
21. FAQRA
Faqra Club
Faqra, Lebanon
Role Making headlines soon, inside the walls of one of the
Investor and Developer most sought after resorts in Lebanon, a new Benchmark
signature project will offer a unique living experience
Client
within Faqra Club. The balanced mix between luxurious
Not disclosed
villas, townhouses and chalets embodies a complete
Value privacy and tranquil living environment for each resident.
USD 50 million As a benchmark in high-quality design for non urban
communities, the site offers residences carved in a
Site Area landscape, that embellishes its people with remarkable
13,782 sq m comfort, while maintaining respect to nature and the
environment. The project promises to deliver a socially
Consultant
TBA and environmentally responsible set of amenities to a
distinguished clientele.
Status
Pre-Development Phase
BENCHMARK
SELECTED PROJECTS BY // BENCHMARK / THE FOUNDERS 21
22. BENCHMARK PLAZA
Arriyadh, KSA
Role Benchmark Plaza is located in a prime area in central
Investor and Developer Riyadh. It is situated between Olaya Street and King Fahd
Expressway, what is known today as the city’s “golden
Client
corridor”, which contains the capital’s most prestigious
Al-Jammaz Group
shopping malls, offices and hotels. The project
Value commands for a high profile mixed use building acting
USD 520 million as a landmark and complementing a skyline dominated
today by the existing Al Faisaliah Tower and the Kingdom
Site Area Center. It will consist of approximately 100,000 sq
16,115 sq m m of mixed use facilities, including offices, serviced
apartments, retail, and leisure amenities.
Consultant
Pickard Chilton, USA
Richard Rogers, UK
Status
Pre-Development Phase
BENCHMARK
SELECTED PROJECTS BY // BENCHMARK / THE FOUNDERS 22
23. SHARQ ARRIYADH
Arriyadh, KSA
Role Connected by two main highways, this megaproject aligns
Investor and Developer with The Riyadh Metropolitan Development Strategy
(MEDSTAR) and offers a new prominent gateway to
Client
a rapidly growing city. This new urban center brings
Private Land Owner
promises of improved lifestyle through fully-planned
Value neighborhoods and a wide range of services, facilities and
Not disclosed green spaces. It looks to meet needs of Saudi families
looking to enjoy benefits of home ownership and raise
Site Area families in a safe environment. The mixed use plan offers
3 million sq m promising business opportunities and amenities for a
diverse population.
Consultant
Gensler, Washington DC
Status
Pre-Development Phase
BENCHMARK
SELECTED PROJECTS BY // BENCHMARK / THE FOUNDERS 23
25. AL WA’AB CITY
Al Wa’ab
Doha, Qatar
Role Al-Wa’ab City is a thoughtfully planned low-rise, low-
Development Manager density development centrally located within the existing
fabric of Doha, forming the very heart of the Al-Wa’ab
Client
District. This mixed-use development offers a unique
Al Wa’ab City
blend of experiences and a true sense of place to the
Value community and the city of Doha as well. From high end
USD 3 billion villas to contemporary apartments, residents can enjoy a
unique living experience where privacy, inspired design, and
Site Area quality interiors meet amid beautiful parks and landscaped
1.25 million sq m pedestrian walkways in a secure relaxing and inspiring
environment. The project is a lifestyle destination with a
Consultant
Aecom diverse mix of retail, leisure, and entertainment. Its vibrant
commercial zone offers business partners quality office
Status and retail opportunities, that maximize the living experience
Construction phase in Doha.
BENCHMARK
SELECTED PROJECTS BY // BENCHMARK / THE FOUNDERS 25
27. AL QAMARIYAH
Beit Boss
Sana’a, Yemen
Role Located in Beit Boss Area at the southern outskirts of
Investor and Developer Sana’a, Yemen, Al Qamariyah stands out as an integrated,
self-sustained community that portrays the celebrated
Client
past in a luxurious 21st century setting. Whether from
Al Qamariyah L.L.C.
the window of a 5-star hotel or a villa, residents will
Value enjoy the beautiful hillside views made possible by
USD 720 million traditional contouring terraces. Such tranquility is further
accentuated by a ravine running through landscaped
Site Area neighborhoods that crafts an urban balance against
1.2 Million sq m the shared retail, hospitality and academic amenities.
Spanning over more than 470,000 sq m, Al Qamariyah
Consultant
Gensler, USA exemplifies a timeless modern city that is based on
the utmost respect for and responsibility towards the
Status environment.
Master planning phase
BENCHMARK
SELECTED PROJECTS BY // BENCHMARK / THE FOUNDERS 27
29. RESIDENCES
DES PINS
Agdal District
Rabat, Morocco
Role With unobstructed views to Rabat Central Park,
Investor and Developer Residences des Pins transforms from a mere residential
in partnership with building to a unique urban village in the heart of the
Alliances, Morocco
Kingdom Capital. The 50,000 sq m development houses
Value commercial activity and townhouses on the ground
USD 90 million floor, apartments on the middle floors, and penthouses
on the upper ones decorated with lush internal gardens
Site Area and hanging private gardens. The seamless and efficient
10,000 sq m flow between living spaces, indoor gardens, terraces and
the surrounding green space has created a luxurious
Consultant
integrated community that is in harmony with its
Nabil Gholam Architects,
Spain inhabitants’ identity and desired lifestyle.
Status
Pre-Development Phase
BENCHMARK
SELECTED PROJECTS BY // BENCHMARK / THE FOUNDERS 29
31. SELECTED PROJECTS
BY THE FOUNDERS
AL ABDALI AL-SHAMIYAH BAWABAT JEDDAH
Amman New Downtown, REDEVELOPMENT Jeddah Airport Site, KSA
Jordan Al Shamiyah, KSA
N
Role Role Role
Development Strategists Development Strategists Development Strategists
Client Client Client
Saudi Oger & Mawared Al Shamiyah Development Hines, USA
Company
Total Development Cost Total Development Cost
Not Disclosed Total Development Cost Not Disclosed
USD 8.6 billion
Site Area Site Area
350,000 sq m Site Area 7,600,000 sq m
1,400,000 sq m
Consultant Consultant
LACECO, Lebanon Consultant Millenium Development
Gensler, USA International, Lebanon
Source Source Source
Millennium Development Inter- Millennium Development Inter- Millennium Development Inter-
national national national
BENCHMARK
SELECTED PROJECTS BY // BENCHMARK / THE FOUNDERS 31
32. JEDDAH NEW AJYIAD CITADEL DARB AL-KHALIL
CENTRAL DISTRICT PROJECT Makkah, KSA
Jeddah, KSA Makkah, KSA
Role Role Role
Development Strategists Development Strategists Development Strategists
Client Client Client
Saudi Oger Saudi Oger Al Hijra Urban Development
Company
Total Development Cost Total Development Cost
Not Disclosed Not Disclosed Total Development Cost
USD 7 billion
Site Area Site Area
41,500,000 sq m 15,000 sq m Site Area
65,000 sq m
Consultant Consultant
LACECO, Saudi Diyar, Nabil Gholam Architects, Spain Consultant
EDAW Architects Gensler, USA
Source Source Source
Millennium Development Inter- Millennium Development Inter- Millennium Development Inter-
national national national
BENCHMARK
SELECTED PROJECTS BY // BENCHMARK / THE FOUNDERS 32
33. H.R.H. KING HARAM EXPANSION JABAL OMAR
ABDALLAH MOSQUE Makkah, KSA DEVELOPMENT
Makkah, KSA Makkah, KSA
Role Role Role
Vision Makers Development Strategists Development Strategists
Client Client Client
King Abdallah of KSA Not Disclosed Mecca Compant for Development
and Construction
Total Development Cost Total Development Cost
USD 500 million Not Disclosed Total Development Cost
Not Disclosed
Site Area Site Area
225,000 sq m N/A Site Area
230,000 sq m
Consultant Consultants
Architecture Studio, France Tadao Ando, Abdel Halim, Consultant
Charles Correa, Santiago LACECO, Lebanon
Calatrava, Shigeru Ban,
Source Zaha Hadid, Muhammad Source
Millennium Development Inter- Mayet Millennium Development Inter-
national national
BENCHMARK
SELECTED PROJECTS BY // BENCHMARK / THE FOUNDERS 33
34. MAKKAH WESTERN PARK HILLS THE LANDMARK
GATEWAY (MWG) RESIDENCES MIXED USE PROJECT
Makkah, KSA Beirut, Lebanon Beirut Central District,
Beirut, Lebanon
Role Role Role
Development Strategists Project Managers Client Representation & Project
Management
Client Client
Mecca Compant for Development MECG Client
and Construction The Landmark Company
TDC
TDC Not Disclosed TDC
Not Disclosed USD 450 million
Site Area
Site Area 3,000 sq m Site Area
4 km length; 150 m width 150,000 sq m
Consultant
Consultant Nabil Gholam Architects, Spain Consultant
Architecture Studio, France Atelier Jean Nouvel, France
Source Source Source
Millennium Development Inter- Millennium Development Inter- Millennium Development Inter-
national national national
BENCHMARK
SELECTED PROJECTS BY // BENCHMARK / THE FOUNDERS 34
35. SANNINE ZENITH SARAYA ISLAND RIYADH OASIS
LEBANON RESORTS Arriyadh, KSA
Sanine, Lebanon Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
N
Role Role Role
Development Strategists Development Strategists TBA
Client Client Client
Al Salam Group Saraya Holdings MBI International & Partners
Total Development Cost TDC Total Development Cost
USD 2.5 billion Not Disclosed USD 8 billion
Site Area
Site Area Site Area 63,000,000 sq m
100,000,000 sq m 1,000,000 sq m
Consultant
Consultant Consultant TBA
Nabil Gholam Architects, Spain Creative Kingdom
Source Source Source
Millennium Development Inter- Millennium Development Inter- Millennium Development Inter-
national national national
BENCHMARK
SELECTED PROJECTS BY // BENCHMARK / THE FOUNDERS 35
36. For further information on BENCHMARK
please reach us at:
Berytus Parks Bldg., 1344 Park Avenue
Block A, Suite 400, Mina El Hosn,
Beirut Central District, Lebanon
Zip Code: 1105-2035
t +961 1 990 890 f +961 1 985 816
info@benchmark.com.lb
www.benchmark.com.lb
